Anemia is a condition of reduced blood capacity to carry oxygen, most commonly due to a decreased number of red blood cells or lack of hemoglobin. There are several types of anemia, but the most common is iron deficiency anemia due to iron deficiency. There are also megaloblastic anemia due to folate or vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia of chronic disease (accompanying severe inflammation or diseases such as kidney failure), hemolytic anemia (increased destruction of red blood cells), etc. Regardless of the cause, anemia leads to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and can seriously weaken the body.
Symptoms of anemia include:
- Pronounced fatigue, weakness, lack of energy
- Dizziness, fainting, cold hands and feet
- Pallor of skin and mucous membranes (inside of eyelids, lips)
- Brittle nails, hair loss (in prolonged anemia)
- Shortness of breath during exertion, heart palpitations (tachycardia)
The causes are, as mentioned, diverse. In iron deficiency, it is most commonly due to insufficient iron intake through diet (or poor absorption), blood loss (heavy menstruation, bleeding in digestive organs), or increased needs (pregnancy, growth). Chronic inflammation and diseases also "pull" iron into storage and reduce its availability for blood formation – such anemia accompanies many serious conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, kidney diseases, cancers. Regardless of type, in anemia the body suffers from hypoxia (lack of oxygen in tissues), which creates oxidative stress as cells try to function under difficult conditions. Also, the body tries to compensate by accelerating heart function, which can lead to chronic fatigue of the heart muscle in severe cases.
Natural support for the body
A diet rich in iron and vitamins is the first step in prevention and supportive treatment of anemia. Spelt is an extremely useful food for this purpose. It contains significant amounts of iron and copper, and these minerals are essential for hemoglobin synthesis and red blood cell maturation. Even in people who have anemia of chronic disease, providing these micronutrients can help bone marrow better utilize available iron.
Folic acid (vitamin B9) present in spelt is important for red blood cell formation – its deficiency leads to anemia, so spelt helps in this regard as well. Spelt is rich in vitamin C in its green juice, and vitamin C enhances iron absorption from the intestines; simultaneous intake of spelt and iron sources improves the utilization of that iron. The mentioned chlorophyll, which spelt contains abundantly in the form of green juice, structurally resembles the hemoglobin molecule (the difference is the central atom – magnesium instead of iron) and has been considered a natural "blood enhancer" for centuries.
Chlorophyll supports red blood cell formation and contributes to body detoxification, which indirectly helps blood renew in a healthier environment. Additionally, spelt provides essential amino acids and minerals such as vitamin B6, copper, and cobalt (in traces) which are cofactors in hemoglobin synthesis. Regular consumption of spelt can improve blood count parameters: increase hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, reduce fatigue symptoms, and strengthen immunity. This provides those suffering from anemia with a natural and safe way to support their body in blood formation, along with treating the underlying cause of anemia, of course.